Alzheimer's disease

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Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time. It affects memory, thinking and behavior.

Alzheimer's disease is caused by parts of the brain wasting away. In a person with AD, there are abnormal clumps on the brain and tangles of abnormal proteins. Both of these destroy connections between the brain cells.

Advancing age increases the risk of developing AD and it is estimated that the likelihood of developing the condition doubles every five years after 65 years of age.

An estimated 269,000 Australians currently live with dementia in general and Alzheimer's disease affects one in 25 Australians aged 60 years and over.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and most sufferer's need full-time care within five to 10 years.

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